Edge Davao 9 Issue 93

VOL. 9 ISSUE 93 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 2016 PRESIDENT’S WARNING. President Rodrigo R. Duterte warns for the nth time police and government officials who are involved in illegal drugs to stop or leave the government during his farewell speech in Davao City. Duterte finally named the officials in yesterday’s 69th anniversary of the Philippine Air Force. Lean Daval Jr.

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EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

RODY NAMES 5 PNP GENERALS IN DRUGS

One suspect now a Cebu town mayor

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

P

Inside Edge

The 52nd Hijos de Davao Ball A1

adlopez0920@gmail.com

RESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte identified yesterday five police generals who are allegedly involved in the trade of illegal drugs in the country.

Speaking before the men and women of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) on its 69th founding anniversary, Duterte identified former Philippine National Police (PNP) deputy director general Marcelo Garbo Jr. as among the top police generals he dubbed as protector of drug syndicates in the country.

The president also named Vicente Loot, Bernardo Diaz,

Edgardo Tinio and Joel Pagdilao as the other four top PNP officers involved in illegal drug trade.

Duterte said he already ordered for the relief of said police officers who were directed to report to the office of PNP Director General Ronald dela Rosa.

He also expected the National Police Commission (Napolcom) to conduct investigations on the involvement of the police officers in the illegal drugs trade.

Of the five named police officers only Pagdilao, Tinio and Diaz are still active in po-

lice service but were already relieved from their posts last July 1.

Garbo had already retired from police service while Loot ran for elective position last May 9 election and won as mayor of Daanbantayan town in Cebu.

Pagdilao and Diaz are both members of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Maharlika” class of 1984, the class that adopted as their classmate or “mistah” defeated presidential and Liberal Party standard bearer Mar Roxas.

Tinio on the other hand is

a member of PMA “Sandiwa” class of 1985 and served as the former chief of the Directorate for Integrated Police Operations in PNP South Luzon.

Garbo who retired last March 2 was the former PNP deputy chief for administration.

When interviewed by radio station DZMM in Manila, Diaz said he will immediately report to the office of Director General dela Rosa today (Wednesday).

Loot on the other hand was interviewed by radio station DZBB in Manila and de-

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36 bird species discovered at Aboitiz Cleanergy Park in Davao P11

2 NEWS EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 93 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 2016

WORSHIPPER. A Maranao Muslim worshipper reads the Koran inside a mosque a day before the celebration of Eid’l Fitr or the end of fasting month of Ramadan in Brgy. 23-C Mini-forest, Quezon Blvd., Davao City yesterday. Lean Daval Jr.

Davao gears up for Kadayawan

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HE City Government of Davao is now putting things in place for the celebration of this year’s Kadayawan Festival.

Named as the festival of all festivals, Kadayawan is celebrated every third week of August.

In a press briefing with Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo “Pulong” Duterte, who is the acting mayor, he said the local government is now coordinating with the private sector to organize the said celebration.

Mayor Inday Sara Duterte-Carpio, who is on leave until July 22, has instructed the Vice Mayor to personally look into the preparations of this year’s anniversary.

The city government will also continue its partnership with the private sector to ensure that the celebration will be successful.

“May pinatawag akong limang private personalities para tumulong sa pag organisa para sa ating Kadayawan,” he said.

Known before as Apo Duwaling, the festival was institutionalized in 1986 and then later renamed as Kadayawan in 1988.

It features Davao’s culture and arts, as it also serves as an avenue to pay homage to the city’s indigenous people and Muslim residents.

The festival also serves as a thanksgiving to the bounty harvest of Davao’s agricultural products, especially its fruits and flowers.

The highlights of the Kadayawan includes the Indak-indak sa Kadalanan (street dance competition), Pamulak Kadayawan (floral float parade), and the search for Hiyas ng Kadayawan. (City Info)

Briones wants P550-B budget for DepEd in‘17

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EPARTMENT of Education (DepEd) Secretary Leonor Briones has reiterated the need to reconfigure the budget for 2017, aligning it with the national priorities set by the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.

“The priority of President Duterte is apparent. It’s very openly declared set of priorities which is anti-corruption, drugs, anti-criminality…so therefore, we have to accordingly reconfigure the 2017 budget,” Briones told reporters in an interview following the ceremonial turnover on Monday.

The new Education chief is

determined to make the 2017 budget reflect not only the national objectives of the Duterte administration, but also the specific priorities of DepEd. Briones, a former national treasurer and an expert in fiscal administration, is looking at a bigger education budget of around PHP550 billion for 2017.

She said she will be prioritizing the expansion of the Alternative Learning System (ALS), infrastructure development, and enhancing the use of IT systems.

“We would like to put ALS on par with the regular pro-

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VM Paolo prays for peace in Mindanao

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

A

adlopez0920@gmail.com

CTING Davao City Mayor Paolo Z. Duterte on Tuesday called for peace and reconciliation in Mindanao as the whole country joins the Islam believers in the observance of the holy month of Ramadan and the celebration of Eid’l Fitr.

“With the observance of the holy month of Ramadan, we join them in praying for a meaningful reconciliation and the end of conflicts in Mindanao and many other parts of the

world now besieged by suffering brought by acts of war and terrorism,” Vice Mayor Duterte said in his statement.

Paolo pointed out that the country has witnessed how conditions of the absence of peace crippled growth and fomented more atrocities and human suffering.

“Today, we recognize the contributions of our Muslim brothers and sisters to the growth and development of Davao City,” Paolo stressed,

ANTI DRUG DRIVE. Mayor Alexander Bryan Reganit, together with the Philippine National Police, launches Project D.U.T.E.R.T.E. at the Municipal Hall grounds Monday, July 5. This event encourages constituents to join

adding that over the years, many Muslims in the city have shown leadership and inspiration to others as they broke the walls of diversity and crushed hostile relationships built on discrimination and mistrust.

The vice mayor also reminded the public that Eid’l Fitr is a celebration of a new beginning as it is a celebration of hope, understanding, and respect for the faith and belief of others.

“But above all else, let us

be reminded that just like Ramadhan, the message of Eidl Fitr is the message of peace.”

Paolo sent his message on behalf of Mayor Inday Sara Duterte-Caprio who is on leave until July 22.

On Monday, the vice mayor also told reporters that he would rather stay in Davao City and serve the Dabawenyos than stay in Malacañan.

“I cannot leave my job here in the city. I wouldn’t,” Paolo

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in helping to eliminate drug use and trafficking through rehabilitation, training and enforcement. (James Doctor/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

VOL. 9 ISSUE 93 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 2016

NEWS 3

EDGEDAVAO

Sec. Sueno lays down DILG’s top 3 priorities

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EID’L FITR. An elderly Muslim holds a Misbaha or Islamic prayer beads while offering a prayer before the start of “Sembahyang” (afternoon prayer) a day before the celebration of Eid’l Fitr at a mosque in Brgy. 23-C Mini-

forest, Quezon Blvd., Davao City yesterday. With no crescent moon sighting on Monday night, Eid’l Fitr celebration was moved to today. Lean Daval Jr.

ECRETARY Ismael ‘Mike’ Sueno of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) pointed out three main points as his top priorities as the agency’s new chief.

Sueno said that these include safer communities that are free from the threat of criminals especially those peddling illegal drugs; peace and order at the barangay level; and faster processing of business licenses.

He also expounded his vision of empowering the barangay levels, noting that empowered barangays will mean swift action in order to address pressing problems such as corruption and drugs.

“Palakasin natin ang ating mga barangay bilang pinakamaliit na yunit ng ating lipunan dahil kapag na-empower natin sila, magiging mas madali ang pagsugpo ng mga problema sa ating lipunan kagaya ng droga at korapsiyon,” he stated.

Sueno expressed his honor and privilege to work with the Department.

“I am honored and privileged to work with the DILG

family and its hardworking, committed and dedicated core of officials and personnel including our policemen, fire and jail officers. This is one agency that impacts the lives of our people in the developmental, peace and order, and public safety fronts,” he stated.

Meanwhile, key officials and personnel of the DILG expressed their support to the new DILG Secretary.

Assistant Secretary for Finance, Comptrollership and Administration Ester A. Aldana said, “Secretary Sueno is very down-to-earth, fatherly, and one can have no second thoughts in approaching him.

His strengths in civil society organizations (CSOs) and community involvements are valuable to the DILG. We hope for the continuity of DILG programs, projects, and activities.

At the same time, we support him in his mandate from the President in prioritizing peace and order.”

DILG Bureau of Local Government Supervision (BLGS) Director Manuel Q. Gotis gave a short walk down memory lane with Sueno.

10 ID to probe mutilation of dead rebel’s body in NorCot Military yet to verify execution th

of Norwegian captive by ASG

By ALEXANDER D. LOPEZ

T

adlopez0920@gmail.com

HE 10th Infantry (Agila) Division on Tuesday issued a statement directing the formation of a Board of Inquiry (BOI) to investigate the alleged mutilation of the dead body of a New People’s Army (NPA) rebel.

Captain Rhyan Batchar, chief information officer of the 10th ID said the command took note with serious concern over the allegation, stating further that such acts are unacceptable and deserve the highest condemnation.

“We express our deepest sympathy to the bereaved family of Noel Gulmatico alias

Jepoy and assure them of our resolved to seek the truth about this incident and give the commensurate punishment to any member of our command who will be proven to have committed this despicable act,” Batchar said.

Gulmatico, the commanding officer of the Sandatahang Yunit Propaganda under Guerilla Front (GF) 53, Southern Mindanao Regional Committe (SMRC) was killed in a series of armed encounters between the soldiers of 39th Infantry Battalion and the NPA rebels in Barangay Balite, Magpet, North Cotabato last July 1.

Pulong wants nationwide smoking ban in beaches

I

F there is anything that he wants to do under his father’s administration, that is to take care of the beaches across the country.

And the first thing to be done is to ban smoking on beaches, according to Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte, the eldest son of President Rodrigo Duterte.

He said he wants to get involved in a nationwide campaign to save the beaches.

The young Duterte said Philippine shorelines have been threatened by illegal dumping of garbage -- from cigarette butt litter and empty bottles of alcoholic beverages to household and medical wastes.

Paolo, who is Davao City’s OIC mayor, noted that while there is a law governing the

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management of wastes, the country’s beaches are under threat from garbage such as cigarette butts.

“The irresponsible disposal of cigarette butts on our beaches, if left unchecked, will be a cause of a major problem in the future,” said Duterte. “If we are not going to do anything to stop this today, then we can only expect a bigger problem in the future.”

Baler, a known tourist destination, has banned the drinking of alcoholic beverages and smoking on its beaches last year. Among the reasons cited in the legislation was the need to maintain cleanliness along the beaches of the town popular among surfers.

But when he visited Baler to campaign for his father’s

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Upon recovery of the cadaver of Gulmatico his family complained of the alleged mutilation of his dead body and accused the troopers of 39th IB as responsible for such acts.

A netizen posted on his Facebook page photos of the cadaver showing Gulmatico’s eyes were already gouged out, his tongue cut and his throat was slit.

“The headquarters of the 10th ID has organized a Board of Inquiry to investigate, determine the facts and if there are any, the culpability of the involved soldiers will

be dealt with.”

Batchar added that the BOI will not prejudice other investigation that will be conducted by duly constituted authorities.

“The Command will likewise fully support and cooperate with any investigation that duly constituted authorities may conduct. As a professional organization, we do not tolerate any violations of human rights and the International Humanitarian Law (IHL). Rest assured that the public will be updated on the results of our investigation,” Batchar concluded.

INAUGURAL SPEECH. Councilor Cherry Ann Bonguyan delivers her inaugural speech during yesterday’s regular session of Davao City’s 18th council at Sangguniang Panlungsod session hall yesterday. Some of the new

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HE Western Mindanao Command (WESMINCOM) is yet to confirm reports that Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad, the last Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) captive from their Samal Island last Sept. 21, has been beheaded.

Major Filemon Tan, WESMINCOM spokesperson, said operations are still ongoing to rescue the Norwegian victim and they are still to confirm this report.

Earlier, an ASG spokesperson identified as Abu Rami, threatened to behead Sekkingstad if their PHP300 million ransom demand was not paid.

The Norwegian is the last Samal Island captive captured during the ASG’s Sept. 21 raid Ocean View Resort in Barangay Camudmud, Samal City, Davao Del Norte.

Of the four victims, Canadian John Ridsel was beheaded last April 25 while his compatriot Robert Hall was executed last June 13. The two were killed by the terrorists as the Philippine and Canadian governments snubbed ASG’s ransom demand worth Php600 million for the pair.

Marites Flor, Hall’s girlfriend, was freed last June 22.

(PNA)

councilors are either wives, daughters, sons or relatives of former councilors who finished their three terms during the 17th council. Lean Daval Jr.

EDGEDAVAO

4 SUBURBIA

VOL. 9 ISSUE 93 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 2016

Comval gets 2 dental mobile units from DOH T

HE provincial government of Compostela Valley on Monday received from the Department of Health (DOH) two dental mobile mini bus units Unit that will be utilized in providing dental health care services to the constituents in the area.

The mobile units were officially received by Governor Jayvee Tyron L. Uy together with the provincial officials and department heads during the regular Monday Convocation Program at the provincial capitol in Nabunturan town on Monday.

The turn-over ceremony was also witnessed by representatives from the DOH led by Dr. Annabelle

P. Yumang-Assistant DOH Regional Director, Dr. Raul De Losa-Oral Health Program Manager DOH Region XI and Dr. Annie P. LarosaProvincial DOH Officer.

Dr. Mary Cyrel G. Pasaol the officer-in-charge of the provincial health office together with Virgilia S. Allones, the provincial administrator also joined the ceremony.

In her message, Dr. Yumang emphasized that the DOH is serious in providing health services not only on the medical side but also for the dental services.

“Kung atong tan-awon tanang tao adunay ngipon, so we must also provide services for them because kung magsakit atong ulo

naghuna-huna ba ta nga ang atong ngipon ang hinungdan? But if we go to a dentist, makita nila nga this headache is also related to your tooth,” Dr. Yumang added.

She also hoped that the mobile units will help address the dental problems of the people in Compostela Valley, emphasizing that dental health is among the leading problems in communities.

“This is not intended only for the children but also for the adult that needs dental attention throughout the province,” she added.

Governor Uy expressed gratitude to the DOH for the support it provided to the province’s health programs

and services.

“We expected only one mobile unit and we are lucky that the DOH gave us two units of mobile buses which will be assigned to the first and second

districts especially in the mountainous areas for our dental operation,” Uy added.

The governor also recognized former Governor Arturo Uy and former Pro-

Bautista to rid Davao Occ of illegal-drug trade

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DISASTER CONSCIOUSNESS MONTH. Focal Person Raymund Mayled of Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council declares the start of National Disaster Consciousness Month Monday, July 4. The

month-long commemoration focuses on upholding disaster preparedness and awareness and establishing safe and resilient communities against disasters. (James Doctor/MAITUM INFORMATION OFFICE)

vincial Health Officer now Board Member Dr. Renato Basañes for the efforts as they were the ones who requested the mobile units during their incumbency.

(Rey M. Antibo, PGO-IDS)

OVERNOR Claude Bautista of Davao Occidental vowed to support the anti-drug advocacy of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Speaking in his inaugural speech, he said that aside from pushing the agricultural development of the 81st newly created province, he will also ensure the total eradication of illegal-drug-trade there.

He warned that there will no longer be prison cells for drug offenders in Davao Occidental.

“It is either you will find them at sea or in the rivers,” Bautista warned.

He challenged in particular the residents of Malita, the capital town of Davao Occidental to change their ways, knowing that the place is already teeming with drug

pushers and users.

Bautista issued the first order for the five mayors in his province to undergo drug tests to place all of the municipal employees including the members of the Philippine National Police and public school teachers in their respective municipalities.

He said drug addicts have no place in his governance.

Bautista warned government employees who resist the drug test to leave their jobs.

“Now is the time to submit yourself, you surrender voluntarily to clear your names or I will get you. It is because by time that I will address this problem, I will see to it that you are sanctioned from your jobs. I promise you that,” he said. (Joey Sem G. Dalumpines/PIA-XI)

for giving us support as we end the Ramadan,” said Imam Rey Macla, religious leader and Arabic teacher of Purok Ramihan, Barangay Datu Abdul in an interview.

City Muslim Affairs head Abdulla Señoda supervised the distribution of food packs.

He said that the welfare of Muslim communities in the

city is one of the concerns of Mayor Gamao’s administration.

“Aside from the support to their religious activities, the Mayor is also allocating funds for the renovation of Madrasah ( Muslim schools on Arabic and Islamic studies) in different barangays.”

(Erick Etis – CIO Panabo)

DavNor new Gov vows LGU Panabo offers food assistance to Muslim communities for Eid’l Fitr to stand on his own T

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EWLY installed Governor Anthony G. Del Rosario paid respect and honored his father former Governor Rodolfo Del Rosario but he assured the public he will stand as a man of his own.

The young Del Rosario also made clear he will continue the human development agenda dubbed as P.E.O.P.L.E. drawn during the administration of his father but he had expanded it to B.E.S.T. P.E.O.P.L.E. In his inaugural address last week, the new governor vowed to stand as a man of his own “in making decisions and in crafting my policy in government” though he said he would still respect the counsel of his father, other political leaders and peers.

Formerly serving as representative of Davao del Norte’s 1st district, Anthony has inherited the seat of his father who served Davao del Norte as governor for 15 years aside from his long years of services

HE City Government of Panabo headed by Mayor James Gamao through the City Muslim Affairs distributed food packs to Muslim communities in time for the month-long observance of Ramadan that will conclude through the celebration of Eid’l Fitr today, July 6 .

With the assistance of

in congress, the Cabinet and in other government offices at the regional and national levels.

The new Davao del Norte governor described his predecessor as “dauntless and visionary—a true statesman” and lauded him for transforming the province into a “premiere province” poised to engage in the global community.

“He has made a great difference in the quality of life of our people, boosted their competitiveness and empowered them to drive their own development. They are now in a

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the office of Councilor Wahid Ranain, the distribution was conducted last July 3 and 4 to six mosques and 17 musallahs in various barangays of Panabo.

“We are very thankful to the local government specially to Mayor Gamao, Vice Mayor Janrey Gavina and the Sangguniang Panlungsod members

5 ECONOMY Aboitiz acquires 8.8MW Aseagas biomass facility EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 93 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 2016

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

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crc@edgedavao.net

BOITIZ Power Corp. is adding biomass to its renewable energy (RE) portfolio after the completion of the acquisition of the 8.8MW Aseagas biomass energy facility currently under construction in Lian, Batangas.

Aboitiz Renewables, Inc., (ARI) the holding company of Aboitiz Power Corporation’s investment in renewable energy recently formalized the acquisition of Aseagas Corporation from Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc. (AEV).

“The addition of Aseagas

and biomass technology intensifies AboitizPower’s efforts in expanding our renewable energy portfolio. We are excited about biomass and we hope to build more capacity through this technology,” said AboitizPower President and COO Antonio R. Moraza.

“We have always expressed that AboitizPower will continue pursuing renewable energy as long as it is available and viable; this project is a testament to that commitment,” Moraza added.

The biomass power plant

is expected to become fully operational and to deliver power to the Luzon grid before the fourth quarter of 2016.

This is the first foray of AboitizPower into biomass technology, and is set to boost the company’s renewable energy capacity, under the Cleanergy brand.

Just last April, AboitizPower also ventured for the first time into solar power, with the inauguration of the San Carlos Sun Power, Inc.’s 59-MWp solar power plant in Negros

first shipment last year.

“The Australia investor wants to buy our frozen durian meat aside from frozen rambutan and mangosteen,” Miculob pointed out.

He added that the council is targeting the start shipment to Australia this durian season.

Singapore’s demand on the other hand figured at 1,000 metric tons per day of frozen durian.

Davao durian producers are also set to tie another trade pact with another Singaporean buyer who is engaged into in-

ternational trade.

“The Singaporean buyer has not set any cap. He can accommodate whatever we can produce,” Miculob said.

Once in Singapore, he said, the Davao durian will be shipped out to US, Canada and Europe for further processing.

Despite the feasibility of the shipment to Australian and Singapore market, he said Dabawenyos have to suffer from high prices because of low supply of durian.

The supply of durian

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Foreign markets demand more Davao durian

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HE international demand for Davao durian is steadily increasing despite the projected decrease in production due to the onslaught of El Niño phenomenon, an industry captain said.

Larry Miculob, president of the Davao Durian Industry Council told reporters during Monday’s Kapehan sa Dabaw at SM City Annex said their new international market now is Australia but demands of Davao durian from Singapore, Japan and Hong Kong remained consistent since the

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6 ECONOMY

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 93 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 2016

cuts growth targets DATE 2016 to bridge gaps in PHL D agri production, marketing

By CHENEEN R. CAPON

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crc@edgedavao.net

N a bid to bridge the gap between stakeholders in agriculture production and processing, this year’s Davao Agri-Trade Expo (DATE 2016) will focus on local and international market linkages.

Organized by the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCCII), the 18th DATE is slated on September 22-24 at SMX Convention Center in Davao City that will focus on Mindanao’s Golden Crops which include cacao, coffee, coconut, cassava, corn and rice.

With the theme “Bridging the Gap: Global Opportunities for Mindanao’s Golden

Crops”, DATE 2016 program head John Carlo Tria said this year’s event will highlight the first ever agri-marketing conference since it was started 18 years ago.

Tria said the conference “aims to highlight different approaches in marketing of different agricultural products” to maximize the opportunities in Mindanao brought by the election of President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

“There will be a lot of opportunities to expand the horizons for our farmers in finding new markets or a capacity to make new products from out of these crops,” Tria told

business reporters during the Davao Business Forum at the Dermpath in SM City Davao yesterday.

Tria said capacitating farmers and producers will fuel job generation.

For her part, DATE chair Teresita Pascual said this year’s activity will go beyond production and will also cover topics on financing, processing, marketing and exporting.

“We will now focus on expanding our markets. We go beyond production,” Pascual said, adding foreign investors are expected to participate in the business matching Aside from the business

matching and agri-marketing conference, the event will also feature agri-trade exhibition and technical seminars.

Pascual said the 18th DATE will feature exhibitors coming from agri-trade, agri-industrial equipment, crop sciences, and disease management of the golden crops.

There will be a total of 136 booths available for exhibitors.

Pascual added there will be around 10,000 trade visitors expected during the event.

The organizers are eyeing to double the P83.7 million exhibitors’ sales reached 2013 when the same crops were featured during the event.

UTERTE administration economic managers cut the Philippines’ growth target for 2016 and 2017 to “conservative” levels after noting economic risks.

In a briefing Tuesday, Budget and Management Secretary Benjamin Diokno said this year’s target was cut to six to seven percent from 6.8-7.8 percent and the 2017 target to 6.5-7.5 percent from 6.6 to 7.6 percent.

The 2018 target was maintained at seven to eight percent, which was adopted as the growth target until 2020. The previous 2019 target is a range between 6.9-7.9 percent.

Diokno said growth target for this year, in particular, was cut to “conservative” levels “because half of the year is over.”

In the first quarter of 2016, the domestic economy posted the highest expansion in Asia with a 6.9 percent growth, as measured by gross domestic product (GDP).

Economic managers and private analysts alike are optimistic on the second quarter growth of the domestic economy due in part to election spending.

The government is yet to report the domestic economy’s second quarter performance. ”We have the next six months to work on in terms of achieving higher growth rate.

Expect the second half to grow slower on waning election

spending, weak agriculture and poor exports,” Diokno said.

Socioeconomic planning Secretary and National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Director-General Ernesto Pernia, during the same briefing, said the new government still needs to adjust, citing additional growth risks.

Aside from existing risks from developments on global economy such as the slower global growth, Brexit and recession of the Japanese economy, Pernia said the future impact of La Nina is also seen to negatively impact domestic growth. ”The economic leaders remain optimistic of the growth potential of the domestic economy despite global weak forecast and recent market developments in the US, EU, and the ASEAN region,” the inter-agency Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) said in a statement issued after the briefing on the government’s medium-term macroeconomic assumptions and fiscal targets for this year until 2022.

The Committee has maintained the two to four percent inflation target for 2016-18, which was also adapted as the target until 2022.

The same decision was made for the peso-US dollar exchange rate assumption, which is between 45 and 48.

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CEB launches 3 more routes to boost the Visayas Region Offers P599 all in Introductory seat sale

T Coco farmers urged to increase profit by value-adding D LEVEL UP PRODUCTION. Coconut farmers in the country are urged to move up to the value chain by engaging into producing other non-food and food cocobased products for increased income. (Lean Daval Jr.)

AVAO Region Coconut Industry Cluster Inc. chair Reynaldo Go said coconut farmers and producers should move up of the value chain by value-adding their products.

Speaking to business reporters yesterday at the Davao Business Forum at the Dermpath, SM City Davao, Go said farmers should engage in producing other non-food and food coco-based products.

With so much potential due to the Asean integration, Go said coconut farmers can go to production of foodbased products like coco sugar, coco syrup, coco chips, coco water, vinegar and virgin coconut oil.

Non-food derivatives from coconut include coco fiber and coco logs.

Go said China’s demand for coco coir is continually increasing.

“Farmers can increase their income through value-adding instead of producing raw materials for manufacturers,” he added.

Identified to be one of the poorest among agriculture farmers, Go said, coconut farmers have focused on producing copras and charcoal for centuries.

Dictated by the international palm oil price, Go pointed out that most coconut farmers in the country are suffering from the low buying

price of P15 per nut.

Aside from moving up the value chain, he said farmers should also improve their production areas.

While it is true that coconut trees continuously bear nuts, farmers should also adopt better farm management by fertilizing their farms, he stressed.

“Our national coconut production is low compared to other coconut-producing countries,” he said, adding that the average production per tree in the Philippines is pegged at P47 per nut per tree annually.

He said the average coconut production in Davao region ranges between 60 to 70

nuts per tree.

However, it can be increased through application of fertilizers and other farm inputs to improve productivity.

The challenges of the coconut will be discussed in the International Coconut Conference on July 27 to 28 at the SMX Davao Convention Center.

The event will feature exhibitions, business matching, technical lectures, demo seminars and farm tours.

Delia M. Ayano, provincial director of the Department of Trade and Investment for Davao del Sur and regional coconut industry cluster coordinator, said the third Coco Coir Summit will be on July 29.

CHENEEN R. CAPON

the first half of the year’s average to 1.3 percent, still below the two to four percent target of the government.

Core inflation, which excludes volatile oil and food items, also rose to 1.9 percent from month-ago’s 1.6 percent resulting to a 1.6 percent average from January to June this year.

In June 2015, inflation is

lower at 1.2 percent while core inflation was at two percent.

In a text message to reporters, BSP Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. traced the uptick to faster inflation rate in several indices like food and non-alcoholic beverages as well as non-food items.

“This turn-out is consistent with our assessment that over the policy horizon, monthly in-

flation will move to within target, although for 2016 we still see full year average to be just below/around the low end of the NG (national government) target range,” he said.

The central bank chief also stressed that amidst the rise of domestic inflation rate monetary officials continue to consider the appropriateness

BSP: Uptick in inflation rate in June ’16 still within expectations

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ATE of price increases in the Philippines posted another uptick last June to 1.9 percent from monthago’s 1.6 percent but the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) maintained that this is within expectations.

Data released by the Philippines Statistics Authority (PSA) Tuesday showed that the uptick last June brought

FBSP, 10

HE Philippines’ leading airline, Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), further strengthens its presence in the Eastern and Western Visayas regions with the launch of three more routes.

Starting November 19, 2016, CEB will launch daily flights between Cebu and Ormoc and Cebu and Roxas; and four times weekly (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday) between Cebu and Calbayog using ATR 72-500 aircraft.

“Cebu Pacific remains steadfast in providing the best connectivity options for passengers at lowest fare in the market. With the additional routes in and out of Cebu, the Queen City of the South, more guests can travel and visit scenic spots in the Visayas region.

We will continue to expand our reach that will cater to our valued guests and boost trade and tourism agendas in the destinations that we operate in”, says Atty. JR Mantaring, CEB Vice President for Corporate Affairs.

CEB holds an introductory Php599 all-in seat sale for these new routes from July 5-7, 2016 or until seats last.

The travel period is from November 19, 2016 until March 31, 2017. The lowest all-in year-round fare, one-way for Cebu to Calbayog is Php1927, Cebu to Ormoc is Php 1591

and Cebu to Roxas is Php 1983.

In 2015, over 4.4 million passengers were flown to and from Cebu. Cebu routes cover about 24.5% of CEB’s seat capacity for 2015. With the addition of the three new routes, CEB has now 25 domestic routes in Cebu which will cater to the ever-increasing travel demand.

Aside from Cebu, CEB also operates flights out of five other strategically placed hubs in the Philippines: Manila, Davao, Clark, Kalibo, and Iloilo. The airline’s extensive network covers over 90 routes and 64 destinations, spanning Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and USA. CEB’s 57-strong fleet is comprised of 7 Airbus A319, 36 Airbus A320, 6 Airbus A330, and 8 ATR 72-500 aircraft. Between 2016 and 2021, CEB expects delivery of two more brand-new Airbus A320, 30 Airbus A321neo, and 16 ATR 72-600 aircraft.

For bookings and inquiries, guests can visit www.cebupacificair.com or call the reservation hotlines (+632)7020888 or (+6332)230-8888. The latest seat sales can be found on CEB’s official Twitter (@ CebuPacificAir) and Facebook pages.

Guests may also download the Cebu Pacific official mobile app on the App Store and Google Play.

EDGEDAVAO

7 HEALTH

VOL. 9 ISSUE 93 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 2016

Yes, AIDS does matter!

By HENRYLITO D. TACIO (Second of Two Parts)

I

N the 1980s and 1990s, a Filipino movie was bound to be a box-office hit when it used the formula called SDA, which stands for “sex, drama and action.”

When it comes to HIV/AIDS, no one seems to take a second look at it when it has all the elements for a successful movie. In Hollywood, films that tackle HIV/ AIDS are not really successful, box-office wise.

“Dahil Mahal Kita,”

“HIV is our problem.

Providing correct information and linking the key affected population to the HIV services we offer is our responsibility.”

-- Ina Pangan in a feature which appeared in Rappler the drama that chronicles the colorful life of Dolzura Cortez, the first publicly recognized AIDS patient in the Philippines, was not really a blockbuster even if it teamed up the bankable Vilma Santos and Christopher de Leon.

About a decade ago, some media personalities from Davao and other provinces were invited to attend an immersion on HIV/AIDS reporting in Cebu City. Part of the seminar-workshop was interviewing people who were engaged in sex industry.

Our first stopover was a bar with women dancing in clad bikinis.

After their performance, some of them came to us to talk.

“My parents thought I am working in a restaurant here,” said Carol, who asked not to mention her complete name because she’s afraid they would find out. Only 18, she could be the next Myrna Castillo or Sarsi

Emmanuelle.

“I didn’t finish high school,” continued Carol, who was from Agusan del Sur. “I have a two-month old daughter who’s living with my parents. I have to work since my boyfriend left me three months before I delivered the baby.”

She said that “if the price is right,” she sometimes went out with her customers. “I had to since I have to support my child. I don’t know of any work.” When asked if she used condom before sex, she replied that she wanted but most of her customers didn’t like the idea.

“I used to quarrel with some of my customers who don’t want to use condom,” Carol said.

“But you can’t do anything if they don’t want to. They’d force you, you’d just be hurt.”

The following night, we went to a casa, where “sex for hire” ladies were housed. One of those we interviewed was Alma, a namesake of a famous starlet. She was beautiful and a good talker.

When asked why she worked in the world’s oldest profession, we were surprised by her direct answer. “Actually, I don’t work for money although that’s a bonus,” she said. “I like my job here because I can actually try different sizes (referring to man’s sexual organ); the bigger, the better.

“I also select my partner,” she continued. “He may not be that hand-

some but he should be cleaned and doesn’t smell bad.” On condom, she said, “I usually recommend but if my partner is handsome, it’s okay if he won’t use.”

On our final day, we visited a house where homosexual boys were living. “We try to suggest to our customers to use condom, but there are those who won’t,” said Rafael, the oldest among the group who is already 25 years old.

What customers, we inquired. We thought they would use condom with their partner before doing it. “Those men who come to our place and pay for our services,” Rafael explained. “There are men who may be curious or bored with regular sex that they wanted to do it with us. And yes, they pay if they do that.”

Condom is cited as one of those that can help curb the spread of HIV/AIDS. But many Filipinos don’t like using condoms when doing sex. There are those who think that condoms are not necessary.

A study conducted by the Department of Health showed that 37.82% of Filipinos don’t use condoms because they “are unavailable.”

About 26.39% said they “don’t like condoms” while 20.15% commented “condoms are unnecessary.”

Other reasons included: “their partner objected” (8.07%), “forgot to use condom” (2.92%), “don’t know how to use

condom (1.7%) and “condoms are expensive” (1.18%).

HIV is a stage where there are no physical symptoms visible. In AIDS, the disease is manifested with malignancies and infections.

“Between HIV and AIDS, there is a window period of as much as five years,” said Dr. Jordana P. Ramiterre, chief of the Reproductive Health and Wellness Center of the Davao City Health Office.

AIDS is caused by a deficiency in the body’s immune system. “It is a syndrome because there are a range of different symptoms which are not always found in each case,” explains Dr. John Hubley, author of The AIDS Handbook. “It is acquired because AIDS is an infectious disease caused by a virus which is spread from person to person through a variety of routes. This makes it different from immune deficiency from other causes such as treatment with anti-cancer drugs or immune system suppressing drugs given to

persons receiving transplant operations.”

The origin of HIV and AIDS is still a mystery until now. There have been many theories but none so far have been proven. During the early stages of the AIDS epidemic, the flimsiest evidence was used to blame AIDS on certain groups, countries, or animals. Kenneth Kaunda, former president of Zambia, urged: “It is not important to know where it came from but rather where it is going!”

HIV is present in all body fluids of an infected person but is concentrated in blood, semen and vaginal fluids. Virtually, it is present in all body tissues and organs including the brain and spinal cord. It can be found in tears, saliva and breast milk although these last three are not considered significant routes of infection.

In fact, you don’t get HIV from kissing. To be infected, you need to imbibe 32 liters of an infected person’s saliva, according to Health Action Information Network

(HAIN). “That would be enough saliva to fill up the gasoline tank of sixby-sic truck. And the transfer should happen in one kissing session!”

HAIN said.

“A single sexual encounter can be sufficient to transmit HIV,” Dr. Hubley wrote. “Although the risk from an individual sexual act may be low, the more times a person has sex, the greater the likelihood that transmission will take place. Women appear to be more at risk than men from heterosexual sex. The transmission of HIV from man to woman is believed to take place more easily than from woman to man.”

“The great majority of reason how it is acquired however is really through unprotected sex and drug use,” Dr. Ramiterre pointed out. “We again say that it is not who you are but what you do which poses you the risk of having AIDS.” Dr. Willie T. Ong, an internist-cardiologist and author of several health books, said there are four stages of HIV/ AIDS. In Stage 1, known as primary infection, the person experiences “flulike” symptoms and will test positive for HIV. In Stage 2 (called asymptomatic illness), the person is HIV-positive and yet doesn’t have any symptoms of the disease (last around 3-10 years).

As the immune system weakens because of HIV, the person now develops symptoms such as fever, fatigue, night sweats and weight loss. This is Stage 3 or symptomatic illness. It goes to Stage 4 or advanced disease when “the disease takes a turn for the worse and the person develops socalled opportunistic infections from bacteria, viruses and fungi.”

The question is: how will you know that you are an HIV carrier? It can only be answered by testing for HIV. “The HIV test works by detecting antibodies produced by a person after exposure to the virus,” Dr. Ong explained. “A common problem here is when to do the HIV test. If a person has become infected

FHEALTH, 10

8 VANTAGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 93 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 2016

EDITORIAL A challenge to Bato

N

OW that Senior Chief Superintendent Ronald dela

Given this practice, public officials from mayors to gover-

Rosa, more popularly known as ‘Bato’, is the chief nors and congressmen, the Chief of the PNP must not be be-

of the Philippine National Police (PNP), he will find holden to local officials in order to preserve the hierarchy of

the real challenge will come from the politics side of law en- respect in the PNP. Police officials who rose from the ranks because of political influence become themselves behold-

forcement.

The PNP, being civilian in nature, has always been prone en to their political patrons and not to the PNP hierarchy

to the influence of local government officials who recom- and this is where the power crisis and denudation of honor

mend the police directors in their respective jurisdictions. within the PNP command begin.

Under the Local Government Code, local chief executives

Bato must be a man of his own words—strong and unbri-

submit the PNP candidates they recommend to the Presi- dled. dent for appointment.

EDGEDAVAO

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EDGEDAVAO

A

VANTAGE POINTS

VOL. 9 ISSUE 93 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 2016

9

Davao nuns as ‘comfort women’

HISTORICAL issue that has yet to receive closure is the ‘comfort women’, a sticky matter the Japanese government has eschewed amid clamor from various countries to own up to the atrocities committed against women forced into prostitution as sex slaves during World War II. Two years ago, a total of 89 newly discovered documents from the archives of Japan’s Kwantung Army, a military police corps, and the national bank of the pawn Manchurian regime stored in the Jilin Provincial Archives, in northeast China, threw light into this contentious issue, revealing that the first ‘comfort station’ was set up in Java, Indonesia, in 1938.

There are distinct revelations that have come to light from the files on the ‘comfort stations’ in China: first, the brothels were paid

by Kwantung Army; and second, in Nanjing, a single sex slave shockingly served hundreds of soldiers during the height of Japanese occupation.

For instance, from Feb. 1-10, 1938, six “comfort women” were assigned to 1,200 soldiers, in Xiaguan district of east China’s Nanjing. Thereafter, eleven more women were added to the station. Over a five-month period since November 1944, the Japanese army paid 532,000 Japanese yen in setting up the stations, an appropriation that was approved by the Kwantung Army.

Anywhere the Japanese occupation forces were stationed, women were forced into prostitution. This reality was a grim picture that magnified the atrocities of war against hapless maidens and mothers using the male genitalia

as tool of subFAST BACKWARD mission and abuse.

T h e r e are no exact figures how many children were killed during the Japanese occupation. What is known, al- Antonio V. Figueroa beit privately, is that there were women who were raped and turned into “comfort women” in Davao region during the war.

The crime of violating womanhood was not exclusive to the invaders, though; in fact, several cases of rape committed by Filipino soldiers and civilians against Japanese women could also be found in wartime annals.

A report cited in Digital Museum: The Comfort Women Issue and the Asian Women’s Fund (2007) noted that in Manila alone the Japanese maintained 12 “houses of relaxation” or comfort stations and five brothels for privates and non-commissioned officers. In northern North Luzon comfort stations existed at Bayombong, Nueva Ecija; central Visayas; and a “military club” in Masbate. Comfort stations were established in Iloilo, Panay, Cebu (which was operated by a Japanese proprietor), Tacloban (managed by a Filipino), and Burauen, Leyte.

Sex dens were also found in Butuan, Cagayan, Dansalan (Marawi City), and in Davao, the

report added, “where Koreans, Taiwanese and Filipinos were brought and forced into service.”

Raping women has no convention. The crime was done wherever the Japanese soldiers were. There was no appointed site to consummate the lust. Accounts of women violated in garrisons, churches, training schools, residences and nunneries are given life in records.

A report cited in War Victimisation and Japan (1993) tells of the rape of nuns at the Carmelite monastery in Davao City. Even daughters of prominent families were not spared, but their painfully ugly plight, being a shame , has remained a family secret until now.

A.M. Dubinski, in The Far East in the Second World War (2006), wrote about young women being taken to a hotel where they were raped

by Japanese men and officers before they were killed and the building set aflame.

In the 2000 report titled ‘UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women and the McDougall Report on Systematic Rape, Sexual Slavery, and Slavery-like Practices,’ the government of Japan was blamed for the plight of “comfort women” during World War II for the sole purpose of sexual servitude, adding the crimes, including gang rape, forced abortions, sexual violence, human trafficking, and other crimes against humanity, were officially commissioned and orchestrated.

One poignant, unedited story of war was that of Felipa, a 81-year-old grandmother (2011) from Sulop, Davao del Sur. Speaking through her granddaughter, she told her family’s plight and reechoed the other abused women’s ordeals in the hands of invaders:

“World War II occurred when I am 13 years young, during that time Japanese men called me ‘Child’ maybe because of my height - too short that hard to be recognized at my real age.

My mother had an idea on putting charcoals on our faces so that Japanese warriors won’t attempt any violence against us.

“I was in school at the time when I witnessed how Japanese warriors captured, tortured and killed men in our place. Women are being raped and abused. Pregnant women were unskinned alive and enemies put salt all over their bodies, after that, they cut the womb and get the baby inside and thrown upward caught by a hook. Those memories I prayed it won’t happen again.

“Too many Japanese soldiers came to our place, my parents decided to go to deep forests to hide somewhere in Sulop, Davao del Sur. I have my elder sister needs to be protected by these cruel men. We walked 4 days and a half before we found our comfort place to conceal.

Living by that time is so difficult; fruits are the only source to survive. After 4 years of hiding, the war ended with the help of American soldiers that brought us back to a peaceful living.

“I thanked God that my whole family were safe and out of danger.”

The Japanese also targeted young women who were unlikely infected with venereal diseases, some as young as eleven years old and were at times removed from elementary schools. To ensure the victims could not seek help, they were often brought to isolated, farflung places where they have no linguistic or cultural ties.

“The man of knowledge must be able not only to love his enemies but also to hate his friends.” ― Friedrich Nietzsche, German philosopher

threatening. The THINK ON THESE! concept of an enemy has been observed to be “basic for both individuals and communities.”

“Wikipedia” shares this information: “As for the etymology the term enemy Henrylito D. Tacio is derived from henrytacio@gmail.com Latin language for ‘bad friend’ (from the Latin word, ‘inimicus’). As a word, ‘enemy’ is strong and ‘emotions associated with the enemy would include anger, hatred, frustration, envy, jealousy, fear, distrust, and possibly grudging respect.’”

As a political concept, an enemy is likely to be met with hate, violence, battle and war.

Oscar winning Paul Newman (“The Color of Money”), who was listed as one of those listed in American president Richard Nixon’s list of enemies, once said: “A man with no enemies is a man with no character.”

And so it came to pass that some “wise men” told an old Chinese emperor, who wanted to conquer the land of his enemies, to kill them all off. Then some time later, they saw the emperor sitting down and eating and joking with his enemies.

“But you didn’t tell us that you wanted to

do away with all your enemies,” the “wise men” chorused.

“That’s right,” the emperor replied. “I did do away with them. I made them my friends.”

It is this: that love has within it a redemptive power. And there is a power there that eventually transforms individuals. Just keep being friendly to that person. Just keep loving them, and they can’t stand it too long. Oh, they react in many ways in the beginning. They react with guilt feelings, and sometimes they’ll hate you a little more at that transition period, but just keep loving them. And by the power of your love they will break down under the load.

That’s love, you see. It is redemptive, and this is why Jesus says love. There’s something about love that builds up and is creative. There is something about hate that tears down and is destructive. So love your enemies.”

Mahatma Gandhi thinks so, too. “Whenever you are confronted with an opponent,” he said, “conquer him with love.”

In “Jayber Crow,” Wendell Berry wrote: “This new war, like the previous one, would be a test of the power of machines against people and places; whatever its causes and justifications, it would make the world worse. This was true of that new war, and it has been true of every new war since. I knew too that this new war was not even new but was only the old one come again. And what caused it? It was caused, I thought, by people failing to love one another, failing to love their enemies.”

Now, President Duterte has no enemies to harm, indeed. For as George Orwell wrote in 1984: “We do not merely destroy our enemies; we change them.”

Change has arrived!

*** OGO is the title and central character of a long-running daily American comic strip, created by cartoonist Walt Kelly (1913–1973) and distributed by the Post-Hall Syndicate. The strip, which earned the creator a Reuben Award in 1951, often engaged in social and political satire.

Probably the most famous quotation that comes from the strip is: “We have met the enemy and he is us.” Actually, the quote was a parody of a message sent in 1813 from U.S. Navy Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry to Army General William Henry Harrison after his victory in the Battle of Lake Erie, stating, “We have met the enemy, and they are ours.”

Why am I writing all these? It is because in his inaugural address last June 30, President Rodrigo R. Duterte he borrowed the words of Ramon Magsaysay Awardee F. Sionil Jose. “We have become our worst enemies,” he pointed out.

Duterte also said: “That is why I have adapted as an article of faith, the following lines written by someone whose name I could no longer recall. He said: “I have no friends to serve; I have no enemies to harm.”

Enemy, also known as foe, is an individual or a group that is seen as forcefully adverse or

P

No enemies to harm

“Wikipedia” has this interesting note: “The opposite of an enemy is a friend or ally. Because the term ‘the enemy’ is a bit bellicose and militaristic to use in polite society, informal substitutes are more often used. Often the substituted terms become pejoratives in the context that they are used.”

Nobel Peace Prize winner Nelson Mandela believes that if a leader wants to make peace with his enemy, he has to work with his enemy.

“Then (the enemy) becomes your partner,” said the late South African president.

Alfred Lord Tennyson was damned right when he said, “No man ever got very high by pulling other people down. The intelligent merchant does not knock his competitors.

The sensible worker does not work those who work with him. Don’t knock your friends. Don’t knock your enemies. Don’t knock yourself.”

The Holy Bible urges to love our enemies.

Benjamin Franklin, writing for “Poor Richard’s Almanac,” gives one reason: “Love your enemies, for they tell you your faults.” Napoleon Bonaparte the same view when he said: “Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake.”

But here’s a lengthy explanation of Martin Luther King, Jr. on it: “Now there is a final reason I think that Jesus says, ‘Love your enemies.’

10 NEWS

EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 93 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 2016

RODY NAMES... FROM 1

nied the accusations against him saying that he is only a victim of black propaganda.

Duterte expressed grief over the involvement of police officers in illegal drugs pointing out that the taxpayers paid for their education and trainings.

Meanwhile, in Davao City, personnel of the PNP regional

headquarters had undergone a surprise drug testing during their regular command conference.

All the 61 police commissioned officers (PCO) at the regional PNP headquarters, including PNP region 11 director Chief Supt. Manuel Gaerlan tested negative on methamphetamine hydrochloride.

better position to take control of their lives, their survival and their future,” the new Governor said referring to his father.

Recognizing that his father’s “visionary leadership” had “led the way”, the new governor took on the conviction of his predecessor to “become more, to do more, and to dream more”.

“There is no time for complacency. Inheriting a better province compels us to do even better,” he said.

Anthony also vowed to dedicate his service to carry on the aspirations of the past leaders who created a dent of respective successes in pushing the transformation of Davao del Norte.

He made his pronouncement to expand the PEOPLE agenda of his predecessor to become BEST PEOPLE, an acronym that captures his platform of governance to focus on Balanced ecology, Enhanced agri-aquaculture, Sustainable

tourism, Transformative leadership, People empowerment, Education, Optimum health and social services, Public-private partnership, Link to the world, Employment and livelihood opportunities.

He had in mind to propel the economy of the province, to generate more livelihood and employment opportunities, to push for a better education for all, to beef up health and social services, to harness the Public-Private partnerships, to step resiliency and adaptation to climate change, to promote peace and harmony and “allow a conducive atmosphere for business and trade to continue to flourish in Davao del Norte”.

He also asked the support of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan in realizing his plans and offered his hands of reconciliation “to restore civility among local leaders” as he called on everyone to work together.

(PIA/ Jeanevive Duron Abangan)

Occidental.

The first Aseagas biomass facility will utilize and convert the organic effluent of its partner Absolut Distillery, Inc. (ADI) into clean and renewable energy, which will help power around 22,000 households. It will also produce 33 tpd (tons per day) of liquid carbon dioxide (LCO2) for the industrial and beverage industries.

AboitizPower now has an extensive RE footprint nationwide with its large hydro, runof-river hydro, geothermal, solar and now biomass power plants.

At present, AboitizPow-

er and its partners produce 3,350 MW of total net sellable capacity, 38-percent of which comes from its RE power plants all over the country.

Aseagas COO Juan Alfonso emphasized that the strong partnership of the Aseagas and ADI will ensure the sustainability and continued operations of the biomass facility in Lian.

“During the 24-month construction period, the team was able to reach the safety milestone of 1 million hours without lost time incident. We look forward to full operations of the plant within this year,” said Alfonso.

during this year’s Kadayawan Festival will be lower compared to last year.

Miculob said prices of durian per kilogram in 2015 reached to only P20 per kilo while the current price ranges between P80 and P120.

The long drought had caused production to decrease, he added.

“The council estimated that 60 percent of the production areas of durian in Davao City were affected by El Niño, of which 25 to 30 percent were totally damaged,” he said.

Miculob explained that 1,680 hectares of the total 2, 800 hectares planted to durian were damaged by El Niño, of which 420 hectares will not bear fruits this season.

“We estimate a loss of P9.2 million due to El Niño,” he add-

ed. Durian production will be lower than the 5.5 metric tons last year.

The durian industry is expected to recover after three to five years.

Most affected areas in Davao City include Lower Calinan, Tugbok District and Lubugan area in Toril District.

“The council has already lobbied this to the high value crops division of the Department of Agriculture. We suggested for replanting,” he said Miculob added the council learned that durian and lansones are the most susceptible to the effect of drought.

He also stressed that durian trees planted in elevated areas were less affected than those in the low land because of high soil moisture content.

CHENEEN R. CAPON

DavNor... FROM 4

THANKING PEOPLE. Councilor Melchor Quitain Jr. thanks President Rodrigo R. Duterte, his father, former city administrator J. Melchor Quitain, and the people who voted for him during the inaugural speech of newly-

VM Paolo... FROM 2 asserted.

He also gave assurance he will extend his 100 percent support to the programs and priorities of his father, President Rodrigo Duterte.

“As his children and at the same time local government officials, we are ready to support him and serve the nation all the way,” the vice mayor added.

grams such as the Senior High School,” Briones said, adding that this education intervention brings in those who are left behind by the formal educational system.

She stressed that the cur-

rent budgetary allocation for the department is still inadequate in terms of international standards requiring 6 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) to be spent in education.

(PNA)

with the HIV virus, how long is the lag time before the person test positive?”

According to studies, most persons will develop a positive HIV test within 2-8 weeks after exposure. “Around 97% will develop these antibodies within 3 months of exposure,” Dr. Ong said. “A few rare cases (less than 3%) will take 6 months to become positive. Because of this, experts recommend that a

person gets an HIV test at 6 weeks and at 3 months after exposure. It is optional to take another test at 6 months after exposure.”

Like most diseases, HIV can be prevented – as easy as ABC: abstain from sex, be faithful to your partner, use condoms, especially if you have multiple partners, don’t share needles, and be educated on HIV, Dr. Ong reiterated. (Photos from the net)

Briones... FROM 2 HEALTH... FROM 7

elected city councilors in yesterday’s regular session of Davao City’s 18th council at Sangguniang Panlungsod session hall. Lean Daval Jr.

Pulong... FROM 3 presidential bid early this year, Paolo saw the extent of the town’s problem.

“The problem showed that our shorelines, especially the tourist destinations, have not been given the needed attention when it comes to environmental protection,” he said. “The government has disregarded this very important task.”

According to Duterte, banning smoking on the beaches

and Philippine shorelines is one of the best ways to remedy this problem.

“We want to preserve the environment. We want to keep the beauty of our beaches,” he said.

Davao City has been strictly implementing a smoking ban since 2002. In 2012, the ban was strengthened. Under the law, no one is allowed to smoke in all pubic places, including beaches. (CIO)

“Malipayon nga pag-abot sa DILG, Secretary Mike! Sir, I always remember you as a humble gentleman and a progressive local leader of the late ‘80s to early ‘90s, whose ideology protects the vulnerable and the poor. We have missed you for more than two decades and we are so elated to see you back, this time, as the father of the DILG. We are at your back as we continue to nurture the potentials of every barangay, town, city and province to make this country more socially-protective, economically viable and safe for every Filipino. Upod ninyo kami sa reporma, Sec. Mike. We embrace the call for CHANGE!,” he said.

Director Rolyn Q. Zambales of the Office of Project Development Services also welcomed the change with a positive mindset.

“Welcome to the DILG Family Sec. Mike! Change has come, and it symbolizes new beginnings, relationship and learning. I am looking forward to our new relationship as partners, as we further change the lives of the people through our projects,” she said.

For his part, DILG OIC-Director of National Barangay Operations Office (NBOO) Leocadio T. Trovela said, “We need his wisdom on local governance and knowledge on

community mobilization and support. He knows the value of people’s participation as a former local chief executive. With his focus on barangay-level, the NBOO is challenged to meet or perhaps exceed his expectations from our Bureau.”

Vivian P. Suansing, President of Chiefs of Divisions Association (CODA) and BLGS OIC Assistant Director expressed her support on behalf of the division chiefs of the DILG Central and Regional offices.

“We welcome our new Secretary with our pledge of support to his leadership, along with our aspiration that he will continue to build on a culture of transparency, accountability and participation in governance, and incentivize premium performance, not only in local governments, but within this Department as well,” she said.

On the other hand, Celso M. Batalla, the National President of the DILG Employees Union, also expressed his hope for the members of the union members of DILG personnel.

“We hope that Secretary Sueno will be supportive of the DILG Employees Union because he knows the predicament of workers and those in the lower echelon,” Batalla said. (PNA)

of current policy stance.

“But we will continue to monitor developments, particularly the policy actions of AEs (advance economies) including the Fed (Federal Reserve),

in light of Brexit,” he said. ”The market will also continue to monitor how the economic team will implement the government’s policy agenda,” he added. (PNA)

Sec. Sueno... FROM 3

BSP... FROM 6

Aboitiz... FROM 5

Foreign... FROM 5

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The 52nd Hijos de Davao muse, Anna Maria Louise de los Angeles Gahol together with her escort, Cornelio Paulino Reta V.

ON THE EVE BEFORE THE INAU G U R AT I O N OF A PHILIPPINE PRESIDENT FROM DAVAO, there was the coronation of the Hijos de Davao muse during the 52nd Hijos de Davao Ball. A tradition spanning generations, the Hijos de Davao Ball returned to the Grand Ballroom of the Apo View Hotel.

This year’s muse is statuesque Anna Maria Louise de los Angeles Gahol, the daughter or doctors Luis and Malouchi Gahol, who looked stunning that evening in her viridian Oscar de la Renta ballgown and heirloom jewellery. Equally dashing was her escort Cornelio Paulino Reta V, the son of Popong and Jess Reta, who wearing formal vestments by Rodel Macatangay.

The Rigodon de Honor Dancing the Rigodon de Honor. was also another tradition of the Hijos de Davao Ball. The dance defined the elegance of

Urbanissimo A4 Hijos de Davao board member Rodney del Rosario, 50th HdD muse Ariana del Rosario, Philippine Ambassador to South Africa Joseph Angeles, HdD ex officio Jackie Garcia-Dizon, Japanese Consul Tomoko Dodo & HdD president Vincent Garcia crown the 52nd HdD muse.

Marco Polo Davao general manager Dottie WurglerCronin (center) togeher with Chel Galang and The Montemayor family. Itang Ang, Baby & Binggoy Montemayor and, Patria Montemayor.

Philippine Eagle Foundation;s Dennis Salvador.

50th HdD muse Ariana del Rosario and her mom Rochelle.

Raffy & Carmina del Rosario with son Iago, and Hijos de Davao president Vincent Garcia together with HdD Larcy Gatchalian. past president Jackie Garcia Dizon.

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DOT, TIEZA, and Abreeza Mall open Asian Fruit Market

THE DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM (DOT); ITS INFRASTRUCTURE ARM, TOURISM INFRASTRUCTURE ENTERPRISE ZONE AUTHORITY (TIEZA); AND ACCENDO COMMERCIAL CORP., OWNING COMPANY OF ABREEZA MALL, have joined forces for an exciting new project that aims to put Davao City on the map as the home of the biggest fruit market in Asia.

Located at the Abreeza Mall fountain area, the first phase of the Asian Fruit Market seeks to showcase Mindanao’s bounty by gathering in one sprawling space high-value fruits, commercial crops, root crops, vegetables, and derivative products from the island group’s regions, made possible through the involvement of the Department of Agriculture. Accendo Commercial Corp. has pitched in this ambitious project by providing 1,538.94 square meters of floor area free of charge.

Other agencies supporting the project are the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Davao City Agriculture Office, and the Davao City Tourism Operations Office.

The Asian Fruit Market formally opened on June 25, with esteemed guests Davao City Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre, DOT Assistant Secretary Art Boncato, Jr., DOT Region XI Regional Director Roberto Alabado III, and ACCENDO Commercial Corp.

General Manager Luigi Escano gracing the festivities.

At the newly unveiled Asian Fruit Market, big and small tents, food kiosks, and colorful stalls house a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, processed fruit products, fruit

and salad bars and cafes, fruit- and plant-based products, and plants and ornaments. Besides these selling areas, a common dining and events area allows customers to sit down

and feast on their healthy eats at their own leisure.

Open from 10am to 10pm every day, the Asian Fruit Market is bound to be Davao City’s new attraction for both locals looking to bond over good food and tourists curious to savor Mindanao’s bounty.

The first phase of the Asian Fruit Market at Abreeza Mall is set to run from June 25, 2016 to June 24, 2017.

For inquiries and updates on Abreeza Mall news and events, please visit the Main Concierge at the ground floor or call (082) 321-9332. Stay updated by liking www.facebook.com/ AbreezaMall and following @abreezatweets on Twitter and @iloveabreezamall on Instagram.

VOL. 9 ISSUE 93 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 2016

EDGEDAVAO

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ENTERTAINMENT

Bea Binene opens up on weight gain HAVING BEEN IN FRONT OF THE PUBLIC EYE SINCE SHE WAS SEVEN YEARS OLD, Bea Binene has received many different messages from people she doesn’t know and who, for her, barely know her. One of the topics that netizens frequently bring up on her Instagram account is about her weight gain.

“Aminado akong I gained weight pero ‘yung [they say it so harshly]. Parang [I want to tell them na] tao lang po ako [na nasasarapan] kumain. Hindi niyo ba ko maintindihan? ‘Di ba po masarap kumain?” she said, laughing.

More recently, she also got flak for her choice to campaign for then candidate and now Vice President Leni Robredo.

“Dun sa mga posts ko, I kept on saying that I wasn’t paid because hindi naman talaga. It was just voluntary [and I did it to] share that I believe in her… [Pero] sinasabi nila, ‘No, you were paid to say that you weren’t paid.’ [I wanted to tell all of them na] hindi niyo naman alam ‘yung nangyari. Bakit niyo pinapaniwalaan [ang isang bagay] eh sinasabi ko na nga kung ano ‘yung nangyari?’” she added.

Because of her experience in show business that spans through almost a decade, and through the strength and support she gets

from her mom, Bea has learned to choose what she would let affect her.

“I think, [just] kill them with silence and kindness [and] if that happens, okay, I accept it. As long as alam kong hindi naman below the belt, delete comments or block… Saka, si Mama, nakikita talaga [niya] ‘yung comments [at] siya mismo nagsasabi [na huwag pansinin] or pinagtatawanan na lang namin,” she shared.

The Hanggang Makita Kang Muli lead actress finds it a great opportunity to tell her story through GMA Bloggers’ Style Camp 2016 that

campaigns against cyberbullying.

She wants to remind netizens that what we publish online can make or break. “[It’s important to] think before you click because you can destroy a life. May possibility kang makasira or maka-disturb ng buhay ng isang tao na wala namang ginagawang masama…

Pwede mo sabihin kung ano naiisip mo pero sana mag-iingat din tayo dahil bilang isang tao [dapat] ayaw nating makatapak ng kahit sino,” she concluded.

EDSA wins big in World Premieres Film Fest

FIRST-TIME INDEPENDENT FILM ACTRESS KRIS BERNAL is ecstatic to represent the movie EDSA which took the lead in the Filipino New Cinema category with five awards at the World Premieres Film Festival Philippines 2016.

She took to Instagram to express her excitement over the success of her first indie film experience, “This is just one of the five awards our film “EDSA” received tonight. All praises to you GOD! Congratulations to my EDSA film family!”

The Kapuso star looks forward to challenging herself as an artist who takes her craft seriously, “The experience has actually encouraged me to work even harder in my future projects! I hope and pray that I get more meaty roles in the indie film realm!”

EDSA took home the following awards: Best Picture

by Alvin Yapan, Special Jury Prize for Best Acting Ensemble, Best Cinematography by Ronald Rebutica, Best Editing by Benjamin Tolentino and Best Sound Engineering by Corinne De San Jose.

Kapuso star Aljur Abrenica posted EDSA’s screening schedules in line with the film festival celebration.

Jennylyn Mercado remains a Kapuso JENNYLYN MERCADO RENEWED HER CONTRACT WITH GMA, the network where she began her showbiz career in 2003.

“Parang thirteen [years na ‘kong Kapuso]. I feel so blessed and wala naman akong plano mag-stay sa iba. This is my home. GMA is my home,” she said.

She is grateful to work in an environment that feels familiar and comfortable.

“Sa lahat ng binigay sa ‘kin na project, masaya ako. Para ka lang nasa bahay, kasama pamilya mo.

Ganun ang pakiramdam,” she added.

She signed in the presence of GMA Chairman and CEO Felipe L. Gozon, President and COO Gilberto Duavit, Jr., CFO Felipe S. Yalong, VP for Entertainment Marivin Arayata, SVP for Entertainment Lilybeth Rasonable, VP for Drama Redgie Magno, AVP for Drama Cheryl Ching-Sy, Films President

Annette Gozon-Abrogar, and SVP for Alternative Productions Gigi Santiago-Lara.

Mr. Gozon expressed pride for how much Jennylyn has achieved and for how she has stayed with the network all these years.

“Sabi ko kanina sa kumukuha ng litrato [namin], tingnan ang aking smile– from ear to ear.

Si Jennylyn, homegrown ‘yan, product ng StarStruck. ‘Yan ang pinagmamalaki natin na marunong tayo mag-discover at mag-develop ng napakagaling na artista,” he declared.

Jennylyn has been dubbed the Ultimate Star, resonant of her acting versatility, multi-awarded track record and endorsement credibility, among others.

She emerged as the Ultimate Female Survivor of the first season of the reality artista search StarStruck, alongside Ultimate Male Survivor Mark Herras.

July 6-8, 2016

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EVENT Urbanissimo A1

the affair with its participants dressed in fabulous barongs and ternos.

Standout ternos of the evening included those a beautiful floral gown

by Bobby Castillo worn by past muse Ariana del Rosario and a bejeweled terno by Erwin Tan worn

by Marco Polo Davao’s general manager Dottie Wurgler-Cronin.

An air of pride, and celebration was in the air, as this year’s event was more elegant with a setup that is more grown-up and and regal compared to the past years.

Fun was also in the air as the occasion allowed old friends, and family members to come together and catch up. The

Mylene & Raffy Albano.

Anmarie & Lio with their parents. Dr. Luis & Malouchi Gahol, Popong & Jess Reta. next generation of Hijos de Davao members were also game to do their own dance number. The dance number was a fun and affair, so fun that the

Fred & Long Pineda.

muse gamely got on the dance floor and joined the dancers even before her first waltz.

This year’s Hijos de Davao Ball was truly an

unforgettable event, a celebration of tradition and history with a sprinkle of fashion and a dash of fun on the side. I can’t wait for next year’s ball.

Alex & Rose Alcantara.

DAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENT

11 COMMUNITY SENSE

EDGEDAVAO VOL. 9 ISSUE 93 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 2016

36 bird species discovered at Cleanergy Park A

TOTAL of 36 bird species—a number of which are considered endangered—have been recently identified living at the Aboitiz Cleanergy Park, reinforcing the park’s status as a thriving outdoor biodiversity preserve that is also one of the country’s few nesting sites for hawksbill turtles.

This initial discovery, made by members of the Davao Wild Bird Photographers group and the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) following Philippine Eagle Week (June 4 to 12), revealed the existence of 36 bird species in the park.

Two prominent species discovered include the endangered Spotted Imperial Pigeon (Ducula Carola) and the Brown Noddy (Anos Stolidus). The Spotted Imperial Pigeon is said to be endemic or native to the Philippines, while the Brown Noddy has never been spotted in Davao City before. All 36 species have

been properly identified and validated with the assistance of PEF. “We believe creating a #BetterWorld involves creating a sustainable environment for nature to thrive.

We will strive to ensure our feathered friends will continue to call the Aboitiz Cleanergy Park their home for years to come,” Sonny Carpio, Aboitiz Foundation Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, said.

The Aboitiz Cleanergy Park is a joint BetterWorld initiative of the Aboitiz Foundation and Davao Light, the country’s second-largest private electric distribution utility in terms of land area that showcases urban-based habitat conservation and biodiversity management. It is located in Punta Dumalag, one of the few identified nesting sites of the critically endangered hawksbill turtle (pawikan) as well as 66 other species.

Earlier this year, the

Aboitiz Foundation stepped up its conservation campaign with “#BetterWorld for the Pawikans,” a drive to raise funds for the protection and preservation of the hawksbill turtle in Punta Dumalag, one of the last few remaining natural habitats for this turtle specie.

This fundraising will not only secure the sanctuary for the hawksbill turtles but also spread greater public awareness on how everyone can help ensure its survival amid climate change and environmental degradation.

About Aboitiz Foundation Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. is the corporate foundation of the Aboitiz Group.

Established in 1988, it implements corporate social responsibility interventions especially in communities where Aboitiz companies operate. The Foundation focuses its efforts on education, enterprise development, environment, and health and well-being.

BIRDS FLOCK TO ABOITIZ CLEANERGY PARK. In a testament to the area’s rich biodiversity, a total of 36 bird species, some endangered, were recently identified living at the Aboitiz Cleanergy Park, an eight-hectare outdoor biodiversity park jointly managed by the Aboitiz Foundation and Davao Light. The Aboitiz Cleanergy Park is one of the country’s few nesting sites for hawksbill turtles (pawikans) and a showcase of urban-based habitat conservation and biodiversity management practices. (PHOTOS TAKEN BY BRENDA MILAN)

MSME expo opens Phoenix Petroleum plants more than 7,000 trees in Davao,Visayas at Abreeza on July 8 L

T

HE MSME expo will open this Friday morning, July 8, at the Ayala Abreeza Mall activity center in Bajada, Davao City.

The exposition will showcase thousands of products of Davao City’s micro, small and medium enterprises both newly developed and those which have already been successfully accepted by the market.

The activity is timed with the MSME Development Week which falls on July 8 to 14 with

the theme “Developing Innovative and Resilient MSMEs.” The exposition is a celebration of the contributions of MSMEs to the national strategy for inclusive growth and poverty alleviation.

It is staged by the Davao City MSME Development Council, which is being fully supported by the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCCII).

The opening ceremonies start at 10 a.m.

Surigao Norte joins National Disaster Consciousness Month

T

HE Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) of Surigao del Norte joined in the observance of the National Disaster Consciousness Month (NDCM) this whole month of July.

This year’s observance in anchored on the theme, “Kahandaan at Pagtugon sa Sakuna, Tungkulin ng Bawat Isa.” PDRRMO Officer Ramon Gotinga said that the activities of this month-long observance are the council’s way of bringing awareness to the people about disaster, global warming and Climate Change.

He said that the council spearheaded the kicked-off activity on

July 1 that started with the holy mass at 8:00 a.m. followed by a motorcade around the city and a symposium.

Other upcoming activities include bloodletting, mangrove planting, coastal clean-up, disaster summit, Incident Command System executive course, information drive on Climate Change Adaptation, video making contest, and closing ceremony.

“We hope that through these activities which aimed at increasing awareness, more people especially the schools and others stakeholders in the province will participate,” Gotinga said. (SDR/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

EADING independent oil company Phoenix Petroleum Philippines through the Phoenix Philippines Foundation planted 7,500 assorted seedlings in Davao City and the Visayas in June as part of its advocacy to protect the environment.

Around 100 Phoenix employees in Davao planted 1,500 narra seedlings at the Malagos Watershed in Calinan, Davao City on June 25, 2016. The watershed is managed by the Davao City Water District.

The company also planted trees in its adopted watersheds in Visayas. Phoenix Petroleum employees and other volunteers planted 1,000 bakhaw propagules in Brgy.

Dumaguit, New Washington, Aklan; 2,000 narra seedlings at the Galicia Watershed in Madalag, Aklan; 2,000 lauan seedlings at the Upper Caliban Imbang Watershed in Bacolod City, and 1,000 fruit seedlings in Lusaran Watershed, Brgy.

Lusaran, Cebu City.

Phoenix has lined up more tree growing activities in Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, and General Santos City in July. The “Plant and Save a Tree” activities were conducted in time for the Philippine Environment Month.

The tree-planting activities is one of Phoenix Petroleum’s major programs in preserving the natural habitat and ensuring the abundance of water supply for future generations.

Team Phoenix Davao plants 1,500 Narra seedlings at the Malagos Watershed in Calinan

12 CLASSIFIEDS

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EDGEDAVAO PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS Serving a seamless society

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WANTED 2 REPORTERS

EDGE DAVAO is in need of 2 reporters for immediate hiring. * College degree holder (Communication Arts graduate preferred, but not required) * Capable of writing English news and feature stories on business and governance * Has potentials of becoming editor

Submit application letter and curriculum vitae to: Antonio M. Ajero Editor-in-Chief Edge Davao ajero_antonio@yahoo.com 09274733467

EDGEDAVAO Serving a seamless society

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“The country’s firm macroeconomic fundamentals and strong external position could support the broad stability of the Peso over the medium term,” the Committee said.

Price of crude oil is seen at USD 35-50 per barrel this year, USD 40-55/barrel next year, USD 45-60/barrel in 2018 and USD 50-65/barrel from 20192022.

These are lower than the previous DBCC assumption for the 2016 price of crude oil at USD 45-60/barrel and USD 5065/barrel for 2017-18.

Exports and imports growth targets for 2016-19

NEWS 13 were also revised downwards due to the impact of domestic and global economic outlooks. ”On the domestic, it will be influenced by the downward revision in the GDP growth assumptions. On the global market, it will be affected by the economic recovery in major economies,” the statement said.

Exports growth targets were cut to three percent, six percent and eight percent from five percent, eight percent and 10 percent for 2016-18, respectively.

Economic managers also announced the targets for the succeeding years, which is 10

percent for 2019-10 and 11 percent for 2021-22.

Previous 2016-18 targets for imports were at 10 percent, 12 percent and 13 percent, respectively, while the current targets are at seven percent, 10 percent and 11 percent.

The 2019-20 imports growth is seen at 12 percent and the 2021-22, 13 percent.

Diokno stressed anew the Duterte administration’s bid to implement more infrastructure projects, which in turn, are seen to push budget deficit up to three percent of GDP from the previous ceiling of two percent of GDP. He said the current administration is “committed to increase revenues” starting this year and deficit spending starting next year.

The previous revenue targets for 2016-18 is at Php 2.573 trillion, Php 2.975 trillion and Php 3.3 trillion.

The current targets are at Php 2.694 trillion, Php 3.040 trillion, and Php 3.390 trillion for 2016-18, respectively.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, during the briefing, said the increase in revenues will be backed by a tax package pegged on current inflation rate. ”We’re looking at additional tax revenues,” he said citing that the readjustment will also cover fuel products.

Dominguez said they will also be reviewing exemptions on the value added tax (VAT), with a goal of broadening its tax base. (PNA)

14 COMPETITIVE EDGE EDGEDAVAO

VOL. 9 ISSUE 93 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 2016

Begin your adventure with Silkair, Singapore Airlines and mastercard D S

HOP for the best deals at The Great Singapore Sale, indulge in Michelin starred cuisine in New York, or welcome the New Year in Sydney. Take advantage of our SilkAir and Singapore Airline’s exclusive promotional fares and you can now experience the trip of a lifetime.

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All passengers who transit in Singapore are also eligible for a SGD20 Changi Transit Voucher, exclusive to SilkAir and Singapore Airlines passen-

gers only. Exclusive discounts on hotels stays, car rentals, restaurants, boutiques, shopping malls and other tourist attractions are also available when you present your SilkAir or Singapore Airlines boarding pass at participating outlets within a month of your travel date.

To purchase or enquire on these promotional fares, simply go to SilkAir.com, any SilkAir Office or accredited agents in Cebu, Davao and Kalibo. Begin your adventure now!

Smart is top employer award finalist M

OBILE leader Smart Communications has been shortlisted for an award recognizing superior workplace standards and practices – an honor already obtained by the company last year.

Smart is again in the running for the accolade under the Employee Engagement and Development category of the ASEAN Corporate Sustainability Summit Awards, which is organized by an international nongovernment organization, the Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST).

In the past year, Smart launched various people programs aligned with its overall digital transformation efforts. One of these is a rewards and recognition

program for employees who promote innovation, good customer experience, and collaboration in the workplace.

Winners received prizes such as learning immersion trips abroad, the latest mobile devices, and a surprise concert attended by their families and Smart chief executive officer Manuel V. Pangilinan.

Smart also partnered with Facebook to launch Facebook at Work, which enables its more than 7,000 employees to have interactive discussions for better collaboration. They can join groups, share information and ideas, ask questions, get real-time company news, and get instant feedback from colleagues.

Smart also launched the

Agile Coaching Movement, which involves a coaching survey tool and mentoring workshops to groom future leaders. Smart has several homegrown leaders, with 73% of managers having started out as staff or supervisors. Most of the company’s employees have stayed for at least 11 years.

Aside from all these efforts, Smart has the long-running Live Well, Live More program to encourage employees to prioritize wellness. The company has 22 employee clubs focusing on such interests as basketball, triathlon, mountaineering, and spiritual wellness.

Smart provides a comprehensive health benefits package to its employees and their dependents. On top of this, it has an in-house clin-

ic where people can get free consultation services and free medicines. Food service nutrition management is implemented in cafeterias.

To help employees prepare for emergencies, Smart launched the HANDA app which provides safety tips, emergency numbers, relevant news, and an emergency SOS button.

Despite major changes in the telco space, Smart’s employee community continues to prove its growth and resilience through time. According to the 2016 employee engagement survey, 96% of employees understand how their work contributes to the overall business objectives, 93% take pride in the overall goals of the company, and 95% believe in the values Smart stands for.

ity time with their loved ones,” Hermosilla added.

With RapidVisa, Filipinos, as well as immigrants from over 194 other countries now can get their family visas to the US usually within five to six months time.

“We boast of our fast and efficient service,” Hermosilla said. “We are time conscious in doing visa applications for our customers. We offer accompanying services that set us apart from the simple do-it-yourself form filler. ” RapidVisa reviews customers within four business hours or less, the fastest in the industry. A typical lawyer,

according to Hermosilla, can take weeks just for this part.

“Our team reviews visa petitions three times before sending them to the government. Three sets of eyes looking to find errors or missing items. If we find them, we fix them,” Hermosilla stressed.

If an error or missing item was caught by the government, it would send back a request for evidence (RFE) which, according to Kyle Marvin, RapidVisa’s Marketing Manager, would typically caused a 1-2 weeks delay each time.

“RapidVisa has systems in place to avoid such delays. And

although nobody can speed up the government side of things, we help our customers not make little mistakes that cause delays,” added Marvin.

RapidVisa offers document preparation and filling services for the following: K-1 fiancee visa, spousal visa, adjustment of status, removal of conditions, parent visa, and US citizenship.

Those interested to acquire RapidVisa’s services may visit their website rapidvisa.com or at their Cebu City office.

Walk-ins are encouraged to call (032) 410-9751 and make an appointment.

Fastest visa processing firm in US now in Cebu

R

APIDVISA, the fastest visa processing service in the US and in the country today, officially opened its Cebu office on the 12th floor of Park Centrale bldg. at the IT Park in Lahug, Cebu City last July 4.

“Cebuanos, and Filipinos in general, need not spend so much time processing their visas anymore,” said RapidVisa’s Customer Service Manager, Jerome Hermosilla who led the inaugural ribbon cutting on the opening day.

“Instead of going through the hassle and complexity with the processing, they can focus on spending more qual-

Low water pressure to no water in many city parts, July 7-8, 2016 AVAO City Water District advises that many city parts will experience low water pressure to no water from 9:00 PM of July 7 until 1:00 AM of July 8.

Affected areas that will have with no water are J.P. Laurel Avenue and immediate environs (from Durian Hotel towards Davao-Agusan Road); Cabaguio (from DECO Machine Shop to J.P. Laurel Avenue); Angliongto / Mamay Road and immediate environs; and some areas in Lanang, Pampanga and Sasa (from left side portion of Lanang to Km. 12 including Doña Asuncion Subd., Summerhill Village, Guadalupe Village, Insular Village I, Fortune Executive Homes, Nova Tierra Village, Belen Homes, Pampanga Executive Homes, San Roque Village, Don Lorenzo Homes, Bolton Village, Doña Pilar Village, Southern Homes, Doña Paz Village, Hacienda Village, Old Airport Road, Doña Aurelia Village, Lougemar Village, Marla Compound, Doña Salud, Bel-Air Subd., and Mercedes Village).

In addition, low water pressure to no water will be experienced in portion of Davao-Agusan Road and immediate environs (from right side portion Lanang to Km. 13 including Ramos Village, Lizada Village, Villa De Davao Subd., Lanang Beach Club, Insular Village II, Sasa Public

Market, ICSAMA, SAPAHA, DPWH Depot, PMPC Village and Philippine Naval Forces area served by Dumoy Water Supply System.

This water service interruption will give way to the tapping and installation of 200mm diameter gate valve to the existing 400mm diameter Mortar-Lined Cement Coated Steel Pipe for the new service connection of ACCENDO Commercial Corporation in J. P. Laurel Avenue.

DCWD general manager Edwin V. Regalado asks for the understanding and cooperation of would-be affected customers. He also advises them to store enough water prior to the scheduled water interruption. Water supply may be restored earlier if work goes smoothly or later if unforeseen problems arise.

The general public may visit DCWD website (www. davao-water.gov.ph) and official Facebook page (www. facebook.com/davaowater) or call the Central Information Unit / Call Center through the 24-hour hotline 297-DCWD (3293) and press “1” on their phone dial to listen to latest daily water updates. They may also call / text 09277988966, 0925-5113293 and 0908-4410653 for other updates, complaints, queries and matters pertaining to DCWD services. (Katrina Belen M. Roble)

Globe customers enjoy 1GB data for surfing plus unlimited all-net texts

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VOL. 9 ISSUE 93 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 2016

SPORTS 15

EDGEDAVAO

NOT THE SHORTEST Height is might but Gilas isn’t the shortest afterall

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HIS may come as a welcome surprise: the Philippine national men’s basketball team isn’t the shortest squad competing in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament that tips off on Tuesday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Well, at least, not the “only” shortest. With average heights of 6’5″, both Gilas Pilipinas and the Tall Blacks of New Zealand are the teams with the lowest ceilings in the Olympic qualifier, according to official FIBA measurements.

And here’s a revealing fact — the height gaps between the teams’ average heights aren’t really that far. The tallest squad is France with an average height of 6’7″, followed by Canada, Senegal and Turkey which all have the same averages of 6’6″.

However, the story becomes different after analyzing the rosters. Gilas Pilipinas’ backcourt comprised of Jayson Castro (5’10″), Terrence Romeo (6’0″), Jeff Chan (6’2″) and Ryan Reyes

(6’2″) will basically have to take on bigger guards from other teams despite the minimal difference in average heights.

France basically has bigger guards in Tony Parker (6’1″), Thomas Huertel (6’2″), Antoine Diot (6’4″) and Nando De Colo (6’5″).

Compared to Gilas Pilipinas, New Zealand also has a slightly taller backcourt in Derone Raukawa (5’11″), Shea Ili (6’0″), Corey Webster (6’1″), Tai Webster (6’4″) and Everard Barlett (6’4″).

We also have to take into account the unique athletes Gilas Pilipinas’ rivals have. The 6’8″ Nicolas Batum of France is very versatile despite his height, and is a natural small forward. The Filipinos’ main No.3 guy, Gabe Norwood, stands three inches shorter.

Ditto for Batum’s French teammate 6’8″ Boris Diaw, a very shifty big man who is a matchup nightmare for any of the Filipino big men taller than him, namely the 6’11″ Andray Blatche, the

6’10″ June Mar Fajardo and the 6’9″ Japeth Aguilar.

Turkey’s Omer Asik and Senegal’s Hamady Ndiaye, both standing at 7’0″, are the only seven-footers in the tournament.

Castro and Turkey’s Ali Muhammed, both standing at 5’10″, are in contrast the smallest players in the field.

Gilas one of oldest teams With an average age of 29, Gilas Pilipinas is also one of the oldest teams in the tournament, sharing the distinction with France.

Gilas Pilipinas’ oldest players are Ranidel De Ocampo (34), Marc Pingris (34) and Jeff Chan (32). A total of six Filipinos are aged above 30.

Meanwhile, France’s most senior players are Florent Pietrus (35), Boris Diaw (34), Tony Parker (34) and Mickael Gelabale (33). Pietrus and Senegal’s Maleye Ndoye (35) are the tournament’s elder statesmen.

Turkey’s Furkan Korkmaz

CENTER OF ATTRACTION. Junmar Fajardo, 6-9, is the centerpiece of coach Tab Baldwin’s plays.

(18) has the freshest face, while the youngest teams in the field are Canada and New Zealand with average ages of 25.

In between them are Turkey (27 years old) and Senegal (28 years old).

FRENCH TEST Gilas debuts in Manila OQT but bg game is set tonight

Murray playing career-best tennis T A

S ANDY MURRAY stumbled and grumbled his way through the early rounds of last month’s French Open, the New Yorker described him as a “walking existential crisis”. But that was before Ivan Lendl – who often seems more like a muse than a coach – had returned to his camp.

Here at Wimbledon, Murray has been as mentally unflappable as the Dalai Lama after a week on the beach.

Only with a considerably bigger serve. During Monday’s fourthround win over Nick Kyrgios, Murray played so well and so ruth-

lessly that he actually inflicted a nervous breakdown on his opponent, rather than having one himself.

Some might say that Kyrgios is that way inclined in any case. Creativity being close to instability and so on. Alternatively, we might link Kyrgios to “the strawberry generation”: a Chinese phrase coined to describe young people who bruise easily and find it difficult to knuckle down in the way that their parents once did.

His press conference on Monday was certainly riveting. Having lost by a 7-5, 6-1, 6-4 margin, and copped a spray of criticism from BBC commentator John McEnroe, Kyrgios might have been expected to

BEST BET. With Novak Djokovic bundled out, Andy Murray could be on his way to a Wimbledon title.

come into the interview room in prickly and rebarbative mode. What we got was more of a mea culpa, in which the backwards baseball cap sat oddly with the quivering bottom lip.

“To be honest,” said Kyrgios. “I woke up this morning and played computer games.

“Is that the greatest preparation? I don’t know. But it was fun. Like I’ve previously said, I don’t love the sport. But I don’t really know what else to do without it.”

Sport doesn’t build character, according to the old saying. Sport reveals it. And Kyrgios’s essential fecklessness came through in a second set that found him slapping impatiently at balls like a teenager who has been grounded for insubordination.

Yet we should also acknowledge that throughout the 42-minute first set, he had competed evenly with Murray, causing plenty of problems with his light touch and whipcrack service action. It was only in the 12th game that he coughed up a break via a botched forehand volley, and so surrendered the set.

Kyrgios’s head must have started to boil like a kettle at that stage, but the whistle was only heard a few minutes

later, as Murray faced an awkward moment at deuce on his own serve – the closest he ever came to being broken – and produced an absolutely magical point in which he went left and right, long and short, and then finished with a clinical backhand pass. The next rally ended in what the professionals call a “check-out shot” from Kyrgios – a little chop into the net, played on the walk, and the collapse was underway.

Murray has always been supportive of Kyrgios, predicting that he will win grandslam titles in the future, and it was fascinating to hear his take on this application issue after the match. In Murray’s view, the best way to sort out an attitude problem is to find a mentor. Perhaps even a mentor like Lleyton Hewitt, whose doubles match was attended

by Kyrgios on Monday an hour or so before he took the court himself.

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HE Philippine national men’s basketball team looked for a massive upset versus European powerhouse France as they clash on the opening day of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament Tuesday at Mall of Asia Arena but the big game is set tonight against New Zealand.

Gilas Pilipinas and the Les Bleus lock horns at 9 p.m. after the curtain-raiser between Canada and Turkey at 6:30 p.m. Both games will be aired live on TV5.

France is ranked no. 5 and should have no worries getting past the Gilas with Tony Parker and Boris Diaw in tow.

The Gilas, however, needed a win to move to the semis but it will have to rely onn tinight’s game against the Kiwis.

After almost two months of rigorous training, Gilas Pilipinas gets tested on the very first day of the competition by taking on the former European champions.

Backed by the rowdy

hometown fans packing the arena, the Filipinos are hoping to pull off an upset of a lifetime as they aim to keep the country’s Olympic dreams alive.

But it is easier said than done, as France is the overwhelming favorite to win it all. The squad, bannered by NBA players Tony Parker, Boris Diaw and Nic Batum, has a deep roster that can easily catapult them to a trip to the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Batum isn’t expected to play, but that doesn’t rob France of firepower as it still has the likes of reigning EuroLeague MVP Nando De Colo and Joffrey Lauvergne, another NBA player.

Gilas Pilipinas is leaning on naturalized player Andray Blatche and Jayson Castro to carry the cudgels anew for the country. Also representing the country are June Mar Fajardo, Gabe Norwood, Terrence Romeo, Japeth Aguilar, Ray Parks, Ryan Reyes, Troy Rosario, Jeff Chan, Marc Pingris and Ranidel De Ocampo.

up when, cutting a forlorn figure midway through the third set, Kyrgios said: “Absolutely, so suck.”

“Unbelievable.”

Dispatched after one hour and 43 minutes, Kyrgios was given a jolting reminder of the gap separating the good from the outstanding.

Competing strongly initially, Kyrgios matched Murray from the baseline until he faltered in the 12th game with a volleying error, allowing the world No. 2 to clinch the set after 43 minutes.

Murray’s defensive pressure had a smothering effect on Kyrgios and when he drew a vol-

leying error from the Australian early in the second set, his grip on the match tightened.

And once the 2013 champion gained control, he refused to surrender it.

Kyrgios has now lost all four rankings-points event tilts at Murray, with his only success coming against the Scot at January’s Hopman Cup. Watched by a host of sports champions including golfers Jack Nicklaus, Danny Willett and Lee Westwood and rowers Steve Redgrave and Matthew Pinsent, Murray was determined to maintain his domination of Kyrgios. And he did so.

Kyrgios, Tomic booted out

ICK Kyrgios and Bernard Tomic’s Wimbledon dreams have been crushed on a sobering day for Australia.

Kyrgios was caned 7-5 6-1 6-4 by world No. 2 Andy Murray while Tomic was denied in a fiveset cliffhanger by rising French star Lucas Pouille.

Leading 4-2 in the deciding set, Tomic was derailed 6-4 4-6 3-6 6-4 10-8 in heartbreaking circumstances.

As bitter as that defeat was for Australian supporters, Kyrgios’s flat centre court display capped a bleak day.

His mood was best summed

16 EDGEDAVAO Sports

VOL. 9 ISSUE 93 • WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 2016

GILAS FAN President Duterte taking time off to watch opener

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HE Philippine national men’s basketball team will get to enjoy the support of new Philippine President Rodrigo Duter t e

during Gilas Pilipinas’ match versus France on the opening day of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament on Tuesday.

But whether Duterte will be present at the Mall of Asia Arena remains to be seen. Earlier reports said he is booked to watch the opener.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Sonny Barrios said Duterte confirmed attendance unless there’s an urgent matter that he has to address.

“Yes. Unless something more important comes up for him,” Barrios told Inter-

Aksyon.com.

Presidential Communications Office Secretary Martin Andanar told DZRB Radyo ng Bayan that there’s a “big possibility” that Duterte will take time out of his busy schedule to support Gilas Pilipinas, although it’s also likely that he will opt to watch it on TV. “Malaki po ang posibilidad na manood po ang Pangulo whether live or sa telebisyon,” Andanar said.

Outgoing SBP president Manuel V. Pangilinan said they’ve been expecting President Duterte to come and he’ll

be given a special area where he can watch the games.

“He’s always invited.

There are indications he might come. But it’s really up to him.

He’s a busy man. He’s more than welcome to watch the match,” Pangilinan said.

Should Duterte attend, this won’t be the first time that the country’s chief executive will attend a Gilas Pilipinas game.

Three years ago, former president Noynoy Aquino watched Gilas Pilipinas against Iran during the FIBA Asia Championship also at the Mall of Asia Arena.